The already awkward introduction to the NFL for Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson has taken an unexpected turn after he received a text message from Kelly Stafford, the wife of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Selected with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, Simpson was widely projected to be a Day 2 selection. The pick raised eyebrows, especially as the Rams are considered Super Bowl contenders entering the 2026 season. Head coach Sean McVay initially appeared unsure about the selection, stressing that Stafford remains the undisputed starter and that Simpson would compete with Stetson Bennett IV for the backup role. By Friday, McVay had clarified his stance, saying he was happy with the pick and in agreement with general manager Les Snead.
When asked on Friday if he had spoken with Stafford, Simpson revealed that he had not. 'Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told [me] to hit her up if we need anything but I can't wait to talk to Matthew,' Simpson told reporters. 'I'm super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain about everything.'
Fans quickly reacted to the news, with many joking about the situation. One fan wrote on X, 'Have you heard from Stafford? No, but I heard from his wife. lmao what a boss move.' Another asked, 'Could this be considered "sneaking into your DMs?"' Others recalled that Kelly Stafford had previously admitted to dating a backup quarterback at the University of Georgia while she and Matthew were in an off-and-on stage. 'Kelly Stafford going after another one of Matt's teammates,' one fan joked. 'SOMEONE STOP THIS WOMAN.'
Simpson, 23, expressed his eagerness to learn from Stafford, describing him as an 'assassin' on the field. 'Matthew Stafford throws the ball with conviction and doesn't care what happens,' Simpson said. 'He might throw a pick the drive before, and he's coming back and throwing the same type of ball. That dude is an assassin. As a quarterback, that's the type of mentality you have to have.'
The decision to draft Simpson may have been influenced by Snead's close relationship with Simpson's father, Jason Simpson, who is the head coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Snead even advised the Simpsons on Ty's decision to declare for the draft.
